Household Questionnaire Survey Research Articles

Development of flood damage assessment method for residential areas considering various house types for Bago Region of Myanmar

Development of a flood damage estimation method that considers house type is important to evaluate the effectiveness of different adaptation options. This study aimed to analyze flood impact on residential areas and household damage, to develop a new, more accurate, method for flood damage assessment, considering different house types. To do this it was necessary to understand the vulnerability of different house types and household assets, and to develop flood damage functions which accounted for these variations. We considered the Bago River basin of Myanmar as a study area. A detailed household questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data. Using this data, new flood damage functions for residential buildings and assets for different types of house were developed by considering building characteristics such as construction materials, number of stories, and height of plinth level from the ground. The actual and potential flood damage data were combined to develop flood damage functions with improved accuracy for extreme floods. Then, flood damage to residential buildings and assets for recent floods were assessed by developing a grid-based approach, integrating hydrologic-hydraulic and flood loss estimation models. The reduction in expected annual damage by use of different flood adaptation options for residential buildings was also evaluated quantitatively. The results of this study show that elevating the plinth level of the building and adding an additional story to the house can significantly reduce the flood damage to residential buildings and assets, and these results provide useful information for establishing flood protection adaptation measures.

Distribution and threats to Smooth-Coated Otters Lutrogale perspicillata (Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae) in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal

This article aims to assess the distribution, threats and perceptions regarding otters in Shuklaphanta National Park (SNP). It also provides an overview of the conservation efforts of the Nepal government within and outside the protected areas. The study was carried out through preliminary survey of the wetlands using direct sighting techniques, plus indirect evidence including fur, spraints, dead remains, pugmarks, transect survey, key informant survey (n= 15), and questionnaire survey of households (n= 70) in buffer zone. This study found that otter signs were mostly concentrated in the moist soil near the wetlands area. Otter distribution was mostly recorded in Radhapur river, Kalikhich lake, Chaudhar river, Hattinala near hattisar area of pipraiya, Bahuni river, Shikari lake, and Salgaudi lake of Shuklaphanta National Park. Fire and extraction of construction materials from wetlands were identified as severe threats through social survey and key informant survey. For the maintenance of viable population of otters these threats should be minimized through effective biodiversity conservation techniques such as awareness programs and enforcement of laws inside the park. In recent decades, the populations have declined as a consequence of hunting and the overall loss of natural habitats. Overall, our study shows that information on the status, distribution and population trends of Smooth-coated Otters is limited. Therefore, we recommend that more studies should be carried out in this region to establish status, distribution and ecology to improve our understanding of otters in the face of increasing impacts on their habitats. In addition, it is mandatory for the implementation of conservation activities such as awareness to the locals and policy makers, appropriate habitat management and initiating scientific research to ensure a minimum viable population of the species in the country.

Food Insecurity and Related Factors among Farming Families in Takhar Region, Afghanistan

Improved food security remains a major challenge for policymakers in Afghanistan. The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence and drivers of food insecurity among farming households in the Takhar region of Afghanistan. Household questionnaire survey datasets were obtained from 262 farmers via multi-stage sampling across four districts. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was constructed to assess the prevalence of food insecurity, and an ordered probit econometric model was used to identify the factors influencing the prevalence rates in farming families. The findings indicate that 66.79% of the farming households were food insecure, whilst 30.53% were severely food insecure. After adjustment of socio-economic and demographic characteristics of families, the ordered probit results reveals that household head education, dependency ratio, farm income, access to non-agricultural income, livestock unit, group membership, borrowing, farm diseases, flood, and war significantly influenced farming households’ food insecurity in the study area. Our findings highlight the urgent requirement for policies and initiatives to support farmers to improve their overall food security. Such strategies should focus on introducing improved farming techniques, enhancing farmer education levels, livestock development programs, building and empowering farmers groups, creating credit access to households, and providing humanitarian food support.

Is metro railway a commute friendly option? an environmental health perspective

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Installation of new transport facilities has quasi-stabilized the commute pattern in megacities. However, the subsequent effects on commuters’ health are not well examined. This study aims to estimate commuters’ relative risk (RR) in switching to newly installed metro railways from buses or auto-rickshaws in Mumbai. Additionally, how the adaptation to this newer facility will reduce the population attributable air pollution exposure has been estimated. METHODS: The study is based on the real-time PM2.5 measurements inside different transportation modes and the observed travel activity pattern in Mumbai. PM2.5 was measured inside buses (without air-condition), auto-rickshaws and metro rails on a predefined route through several staggered trips. Household questionnaire survey of ~750 people was conducted to understand the existing commute behavior. The reduction in relative risk from all-cause mortality was deduced by dose-response function (DRF), assuming the metabolic rates to be consistent with previous studies. RESULTS:PM2.5 levels inside metros were 2-3 times (p0.05) lower than buses (128±25µg/m3) and auto-rickshaws (136±45 µg/m3). Thus for the same commute distance, using metros may reduce the relative risk by ~40%-80% than using buses or auto-rickshaws. Commuters travelling longer distances, will experience higher health benefits. Commuters residing within 2-3 km of the nearest metro station will have 25-30% lesser risk if there is a better feeder system to the station. Moreover, travelling any distance longer than 5 km by metro, will be beneficial for health irrespective of the feeder system. Based on the survey results, we have estimated that that overall the potential switch to metro travel in Mumbai will decrease the attributable risk by 1.2-1.4 times and largely this is due to the commuters traveling 10 km. CONCLUSIONS:This study concludes that the less polluting modes such as metros are beneficial for both the environment as well as public health, if supported by an efficient feeder system. KEYWORDS: Traffic Related Air Pollution, PM2.5, Commute Pattern, Mass Transit, Relative Risks

Assessment of Soil Erosion and Its Impact on Agricultural Productivity by Using the RMMF Model and Local Perception: A Case Study of Rangun Watershed of Mid-Hills, Nepal

Soil erosion is a major concern for the environment and natural resources leading to a serious threat to agricultural productivity and one of the major causes of land degradation in the mid-hills region of Nepal. An accurate assessment of soil erosion is needed to reduce the problem of soil loss in highly fragile mountainous areas. The present study aimed to assess spatial soil loss rate and identified risk areas and their perceived impact on agricultural productivity by using the Revised Morgan–Morgan–Finney (RMMF) model and social survey in the Rangun watershed of Dadeldhura district, Nepal. Soil erosion was assessed by using data on soil, digital elevation model, rainfall, land use, and land cover visually interpreted from multitemporal satellite images, and ILWIS 3.3 academic software was used to perform the model. A household questionnaire survey (n = 120) and focus group discussion (n = 2) in identified risk areas were carried out to understand the people’s perception towards soil erosion and its impact on agricultural productivity. The predicted average soil erosions from the forest, agriculture, and barren land were 2.7 t ha−1 yr−1, 53.73 t ha−1 yr−1, and 462.59 t ha−1 yr−1, respectively. The erosion risk area under very low to low, moderate to moderately high, and high to very high covers 92.32%, 4.96%, and 2.73%, respectively. It indicates that the rate of soil erosion was lower in forest areas, whereas it was higher in the barren land. The cropped area of the watershed has been reduced by 2.96 ha−1 yr−1, and productivity has been decreased by 0.238 t ha−1 yr−1. The impacts such as removal of topsoil (weighted mean = 4.19) and gully formation (weighted mean = 3.56) were the highest perceived factors causing productivity decline due to erosion. People perceived the impact of erosion in agricultural productivity differently ( ∗ significant at P ≤ 0.05 ). The study concluded that, comparatively, barren and agricultural lands seem more susceptible to erosion, so the long-term conservation and management investment in susceptible areas for restoration, protection, and socioeconomic support contribute significantly to land rehabilitation in the Rangun watershed.

The evolving cultural values and their implications on the Maasai Pastoralists, Kajiado County, Kenya

The Maasai pastoralists inhabiting Kajiado County have been known for their rich cultural values which have sustained their livelihoods. However, these cultural practices are evolving under the swift development context with the private holding of land becoming more prevalent. Before these disturbances, customary land was available for the Maasai pastoralists to carry out traditional production systems. The disturbance in their social-cultural ways following land fragmentation has rendered their traditional governance system untenable. Moreover, the Maasai pastoralists have been dispossessed from their customary land and social institutions which have shaped their customs. Thus, concerns have been raised over the sustenance of pastoralism considering that the required resources are either unavailable or not enough. To address this gap, there was the need to understand cultural adjustments and their impacts on the Maasai pastoralists’ societal needs. The study employed a cross-sectional design which consisted of 195 Household survey questionnaires, 8 Focus Group Discussions and 18 Key Informant Interviews. The qualitative and quantitative data from the study were summarized and thematic perceptions generated. The results of this study revealed the uniqueness of the Maasai pastoralists’ traditional social structures. Also highlighted by the study was the erosion of the traditional social relations exposing the Maasai pastoralists to increasing vulnerability. These findings support the need for external support to supplement the traditional coping strategies to balance the ecological, social and economic systems of the Maasai pastoralists.

The impact of improved agricultural technologies on household food security of smallholders in Central Ethiopia: An endogenous switching estimation

AbstractCombinations of improved agricultural technologies adoption have a significant effect on agricultural productivity and household food security. Their synergies improve soil fertility and suppress weeds, pests, and diseases. Many studies in Ethiopia analyze the impacts of improved technologies adoption in isolation rather than in combinations; little attention was given on multiple combinations of improved technologies adoption on household food security. This study analyses the impact of combinations of improved agricultural technologies adoption on household food security (per capita calorie consumption, dietary diversity score, and food consumption score). Data were collected from household survey questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. An endogenous switching regression model is applied to analyze the impacts through adoption decisions by farm households which can be adopted in various combinations. We find that the adoption of improved agricultural technologies increases dietary energy supply, dietary diversity, and food consumption score significantly and the greatest impact is obtained when improved technologies adopting in combinations rather than in isolation. The adoption of multiple combinations of improved technologies has substantial effects that improve the food security status of smallholders in the study areas. This implies that agricultural research, extension, policymakers, and other actors to promote a combination of improved agricultural technologies to improve household food security through increasing productivity and income.

Evaluating the Trend in Managing Human-Wildlife Conflicts in and around Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) makes wildlife conservation more difficult and threatens the endangered species and human livelihood in adjacent protected areas. While the cases of existing conflicts are often evaluated, their trend vis-à-vis the mitigation measures such as an electric fence has been frequently overlooked. This study aimed at evaluating the trend of human-wildlife conflicts in and around Akagera National Park (ANP) by comparing the situations before and after its electric fencing. This study used both secondary and primary data. Secondary data used exiting literature while primary data has been obtained by using field observation, household questionnaire survey, and Key Informant Interview with park managers and local leaders.The findings revealed that both illegal activities from local population and damages from wild animals have significantly reduced if we compare the situations before and after the establishment of an electric fence around ANP in 2013. In fact, between 2011 and 2020, illegal activities in the park have reduced to 70 %, 80 %, 85 %, and 80 % for captured cows, caught poachers, found traps, and killed animals respectively. However, this electric fence has not yet eradicated all forms of human-wildlife conflicts to the extent of zero case. In this regard, a set of sustainable community-based conservation strategies such as revenue sharing scheme, insurance scheme, compensation measures, etc., is highly encouraged.

REDD+ and equity outcomes: Two cases from Cameroon

One reason for recent opposition to REDD+ stems from concerns about possible welfare impacts on forest-dependent, especially indigenous peoples. We assess how two projects with community payments (PES / REDD+) impacted indigenous peoples (Baka) relative to the locally dominant ethnic group (Bantu) in south-eastern Cameroon, trying to understand to which extent the projects addressed equity concerns. We gathered empirical data through a household questionnaire survey, indepth interviews, and focus group discussions in six villages. Overall, we found little support for the hypothesis that indigenous peoples were disadvantaged by the projects, absolutely and relative to the locally dominant ethnic group, along procedural and distributive equity dimensions. Yet, upfront contextual inequities with respect to technical capabilities, power, gender, level of education, and wealth are key to determining an individual’s likelihood of participating in and benefiting from the projects. Our analysis also revealed that more complex and time-consuming free prior informed consent processes could actually come to reinforce power imbalances and inequities. Hence, we call attention to the key role contextual factors play for equity and social safeguards when implementing REDD+ and associated interventions.

Understanding the Vulnerability of Crop Production to Climatic Stresses in the Great Ruaha River sub-Basin of Tanzania

This study broadens the understanding of crop production vulnerability to climatic stresses and other stresses compounding the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in rural spaces of Tanzania, using data collected over six months across two years, and compared to oral testimony covering the last 40 years (1970 to 2011). Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected covering the full spectrum of stresses and responses, such as climatic and non-climatic (e.g. poverty, education level, household income). The study employed focus group discussions and household questionnaire survey during data collection. The results show that crop yield has declined over the past four decades, because of climatic stresses, such as frequent droughts, prolonged dry spells and occasional extreme rains. Climate related stresses compound the already weak subsistence agriculture, in addition to other stresses, such as youth migration, lack of access to irrigation infrastructure and crop markets. Challenges noted in this study are complex (both climatic and non-climatic), which shows how complex the stresses affecting the lives of farmers are. Addressing them generally without defining the underlying contexts of each stressor makes it even more complicated when trying to enhance the adaptive capacity of the farmers. Thus, a holistic approach by targeting the whole system dealing with the agriculture sector is recommended.

Estimation of the Rural Dog Population Within a Mega-City: An Example in Jiading District, Shanghai.

Rural dog populations have long been recognized to be inadequately managed in terms of disease control and prevention. In this study we consider dog management in rural Shanghai and its implications for rabies control in the entire metropolitan area of Shanghai. The prerequisite to improve rabies vaccination coverage in rural Shanghai depends on a proper enumeration of the total rural dog population. In this study we selected one of the nine administrative districts in Shanghai (Jiading), within which there are 7 towns and 2 industrial zones (township-level division) that contain agricultural areas. A total of 9 villages (rabies model villages) were chosen from each township-level division in Jiading, and an additional 3 non-model villages were also included in the study. A household questionnaire survey was implemented in all 12 villages recruited. In 3 of the model villages and the 3 non-model villages chosen as a comparison, two methods of enumeration—a sight-resight survey and a household census survey—were implemented. Results from the household survey in these 6 villages showed that among the total 1,560 owned dogs, 80.4% were Chinese Garden Dogs, 69.1% were aged 1 to 3 years, 49.2% were homebred, and 88.3% were kept for the purpose of guarding the house. However, only 3.7% of the owned dogs were desexed. There was a higher proportion of chained or confined dogs in model compared to non-model villages. The model villages had an absolute rabies vaccination coverage of 100% among its owned dog population and a smaller number of stray dogs. It was also identified that the two enumeration methods yielded similar counts (P = 0.12), particularly within smaller villages. From the questionnaire survey implemented within all 12 villages and based on the average human-to-dog ratio, the total rural dog population of Jiading district was estimated to be 24,058. This study generated information on the general demographics of the rural dog population in Jiading, and demonstrates an approach to the study of rural dog populations within the context of a megacity. In such a context, rural dog populations need to be considered as a critical component of animal and public health.

Identifying Cyclone Shelter Facilities and Limitations for Enhancing Community Resiliency in Coastal Areas of Bangladesh

Amtali is a vulnerable coastal Upazila in the Barguna district of Bangladesh. It is more vulnerable to cyclone disasters. The devastating cyclone is frequently a phenomenon here. Cyclone shelter is a structural measure to decrease cyclone vulnerabilities. The main purpose of this study is to identify facilities and problems of the cyclone shelter from the people's perceptions of the study space. To accomplish the aim, a semi-structured, household questionnaire (100 individual responses) survey is used. Besides ten key informer interviews are also used to authenticate the collected information. The key findings of these lessons are insufficient shelter facilities (65% opined), unhealthy sanitation, scarcity of safe drinking water, inadequate medical facilities, limited or almost no facilities for women, especially for pregnant women. Overall facilities are not enough for the public. Perception shows that women are more vulnerable due to improper management of shelter including harassment. Many types of limitations are found in the shelters. For those reasons, individuals don’t seem to be interested to travel to cyclone shelters. Proper early warning as well as information dissemination systems are not well developed and not properly working in due times. About 70% of respondents viewed that the supervision method of cyclone shelters is unhealthy, unhygienic, and unsatisfactory levels. For enhancing people's encouragement and participation to go to cyclone shelters, healthy sanitation, safe beverage provides, proper medical facilities, separate rooms, and bogs for women must be needed to build the community more resilient. Sufficient and frequent training on cyclone shelter usability and management, communities' early warning understanding and reception, awareness-raising programs, and proper information on disaster management should be strengthened for enhancing community resiliency to cyclonic disasters.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN HILLY AREAS OF PAKISTAN

In developing countries like Pakistan, affordability to own a decent house is a critical issue for middle to low income households as the cost of plot and construction has increased enormously over the last couple of years as compared to household income. It affects the socio-economic environment of the country and the households. Hence to provide affordable housing not only is it required to lower the cost of the house but a range of social and economic determinants need to be addressed. This paper examines these social indicators, like household size (HH), marital status, education, unit/plot size, location and economic determinants (income, expenditures, unit cost) of affordable housing and its relationship to affordability. The paper presents findings from household questionnaire survey in Murree urban area. Findings show that lack of affordable housing has resulted in overcrowded low quality housing with substandard infrastructures that have highly affected the socio-economic status and well being of the households. The majority of the respondents demanded small size unit and plot as per their affordability. In spite of lower income the respondents preferred to own their houses. Keywords: Affordable housing, socio-economic status, location, low-income housing, hilly area, Pakistan

Elusive fish catch and vulnerable livelihoods: Status of fishing and fisheries industry among marine south coast communities of Kwale, Kenya

The aim of this study was to examine the status in fishing and fisheries industry among marine coastal communities of Kwale along Kenyan coast. In this study, we used a cross-sectional descriptive survey design to examine trends in fish and fisheries resources productivity and diversity and the types of fishing vessels and gears used by fishermen among marine Kwale communities. Quantitative data was collected using household survey questionnaires among fisherfolk households randomly selected from two subcounties in Kwale. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted on purposively sampled respondents to generate qualitative data to corroborate the quantitative survey data. Study established that fishing is still the principal source of livelihood, with 31% of people engaged in fishing as their main source of livelihood and being mainly artisanal fishers. There is a declining trend in fish productivity and diversity during the period 2014 to 2019. Out of all fisherfolks, 96.6% of fishers are commercial artisanal fishermen, selling their fish to different groups. The most preferred fishing vessel is wooden row boats (dhow) at 66.3% preference. There is a general decline in fish productivity within fishing grounds based on catches, indicated by 84.9% of the survey respondents. There is a general decline in fish abundance and diversity among coastal Kwale as indicated by 70.6% of respondents. Eleven (11) types of simple traditional fishing gears were identified, with majority (32%) of fishers preferring handline/hook (Mshipi) as their most preferred type of fishing gear. Destructive fishing gears such as spear guns are still in use despite the government regulations. This study concludes that fishing and fisheries resources among marine communities in Kwale of Kenyan coast is in a general declining trend in terms of productivity, abundance and diversity. This signals excess pressure on fishing resources, requiring immediate effective management strategies to contribute to sustainable marine ecosystems resources utilization. The study recommends enforcement of effective management strategies on fishing and fisheries resources through effective policy formulation and enforcement as well as awareness creation and a mind shift among communities towards alternative livelihood sources to reduce pressure on fish stock.

Soil management practices in commercial vegetable farming in changing socioeconomic context in Makawanpur, Nepal

With the rapid urbanization and population growth, the demand for vegetables is increasing day by day resulting in increased cultivation area and production at the expenses of soil fertility. This study aims to assess soil management practices adopted by commercial vegetable farmers in changing socioeconomic contexts in Bhundrung village, Makawanpur. Participatory rural appraisal tools; Household Questionnaire survey, Focus group discussion, Key informant interview and expert consultation were used for data collection. Most farmers use farmyard manure (FYM) and chemical fertilizer (urea, potash and di-ammonium phosphate) for maintaining soil fertility. Application of farmyard manure is decreasing, due to large farm size but less number of livestock. It has resulted in the scenario of injudicious supply of chemical fertilizers with hope of increment in production. Lack of knowledge on dose, handling and disposal of fertilizer and pesticides threatened degradation of soil and water quality in and outside the farm. In the changing socioeconomic context, farmers practice joint decision making in laborious activities like nursery bed preparation, field preparation, manure mixing, intercultural operation whereas in technology and direct money related activities were decided by male members. This study recommends there is a need for effective extension services for sustainable soil fertility management, finance and market access for economic benefits and gender friendly environment and technology for commercial vegetable farming.

Impacts of Electricity Outages in Urban Households in Developing Countries: A Case of Accra, Ghana

Many developing countries in Africa face a “double tragedy” when it comes to electrification. Electricity access rates are low, while those who have access to electricity face frequent outages. There are ongoing efforts aimed at increasing access to electricity on the continent. However, the need to improve the reliability of electricity supply receives limited attention. Unreliable electricity impacts users by limiting electricity utilization and the benefits that should accrue from having an electricity connection. Using data from 496 household survey questionnaires, this study examines the impacts of electricity outages in urban households in Accra, Ghana. The study applies correlation and regression analyses to identify which household characteristics are associated with or predict households reporting outage impacts. Outages were found to impact household safety/security, access to food, and access to social services and were found to cause appliance damage as well. Factors that are significantly correlated with reporting certain outage impacts include respondent’s annual income and employment status, frequency of electricity outages, and household size. Significant predictors of reporting outage impacts are socioeconomic disadvantage, high exposure to outages, and living in a large family setting. The study’s findings underscore the need for interventions to eliminate, or at least minimize, electricity supply interruptions in developing countries if sustainable social and economic development is to be achieved.

Effects of cancer treatment on household impoverishment: a multicentre cross-sectional study in China

ObjectivesTo determine the incidence and intensity of household impoverishment induced by cancer treatment in China.DesignAverage income and daily consumption per capita of the households and out-of-pocket payments for cancer care...

Credit Constraint and Rural Household Welfare in the Mezam Division of the North-West Region of Cameroon

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the rural household’s head and household characteristics on credit accessibility. This study also seeks to investigate how credit constraint affects rural household welfare in the Mezam division of the North-West region of Cameroon. Using data from a household survey questionnaire, we found that 36.88% of the households were credit-constrained, while 63.13% were unconstrained. A probit regression model was used to examine the determinants of households’ credit access, while an endogenous switching regression model was used to analyze the impact of credit constraint on household welfare. The results from the probit regression model indicate the importance of the farmer’s or trader’s organization membership, occupation, and savings to the household’s likelihood of being credit-constrained. On the other hand, a prediction from the endogenous switching regression model confirms that households with access to credit have a better standard of welfare than a constrained household. From the results, it is necessary for the government to subsidize microfinance institutions, so that they can take on the risk of offering credit to rural households.

The Abidjan School and Louis-Joseph Lebret: marrying empirical research and development ethics

ABSTRACT The Abidjan School is a school of thought that developed in the 1980s and 1990s in the Côte d'Ivoire inspired by the work of Louis-Joseph Lebret and Amartya Sen. It follows the empirical approach initiated by Lebret, aimed at better understanding people’s living conditions in order to ethically influence public policies. The Abidjan School has aimed to renew this tradition of empirical analyses of living conditions and better address the ethics of development. A key feature is the combination of economic and anthropological approaches. The School contributed to the redesign of household survey questionnaires, into formats now used in several African countries. It is also part of the renewal of analyses of the person, going beyond Lebret’s personalism.

Deforestation rate and causes in Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment, Zimbabwe: Implications on achieving national climate change mitigation targets

The signing of the Paris Agreement at the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP) 21 repositioned the global agenda toward sustainable forest management to address the threats of global warming. However, deforestation rates in many parts of the world continue to accelerate. The study evaluates the rate and causes of deforestation in Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment (UMSC) due to land use land cover (LULC) changes between 1990 and 2020. Landsat imagery analysis augmented by household questionnaire survey and key stakeholder interviews were used to assess the rate and cause of deforestation in UMSC. Over the 30 years, the sub-catchment lost 9.4% of its vegetation area due to land use changes. Vegetation loss was mainly due to urban expansion of Harare and its dormitory towns and the extensive peri‑urban agriculture mainly tobacco harvesting. Using the Markov Chain Cellular Automata model, the study estimated that in 2030 the catchment will lose approximately 3.3% of the current vegetation land cover area. This means a further reduction of the vegetation area from 20.1% to 16.8% in 2030. There is need for harmonisation of infrastructure development in Harare and the peri‑urban farming activities with policies that conserve forests such as the use of charcoal and eucalyptus plantations for curing tobacco instead of indigenous trees. This is critical if Zimbabwe is to meet its climate change mitigation targets in the Nationally Determined Contribution that promotes the implementation of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).